often been quelled by the Murray charm.
The promise that Rangers would spend a tenner for every fiver put on the
table by Celtic, an endless stream of financial backers and assurances that
Rangers would one day conquer Europe bought the Honorary Chairman fulsome
praise.
But like any successful political figure the charisma only works for so
long, goods promised have to be delivered. Broken pledges and contempt for
your own followers ultimately takes its toll.
It wasn¹t a surprise to find out that Murray¹s contribution to Radio
Scotland¹s your call was pre-recorded.
To directly acknowledge fans concerns would have been a challenge. To
participate in an interview that had as much cutting edge as the Northern
Ireland forward line was less difficult.
The publicity stunt failed to address many of the questions supporters have
longed to be answered.
The Custodian of the club continues to pay lip service to the supporters who
keep one of the worlds¹ greatest sporting institutions afloat.
However Murray has taken some responsibility for the club¹s present
financial predicament. A revolving credit limit, supplied by Murray
International Holdings, for future transfer expenditure should help Alex
McLeish in the short term but I am afraid sound bites from the Honorary
Chairman just don¹t work any more.
Fans also need assurances that the people presently responsible for managing
the club¹s affairs will fight for Rangers interests and supporters will have
a greater say in the running of the club. Ignoring the work of the Rangers
Supporters Trust doesn¹t win you many admirers.
Murray¹s failure to address these glaring problems could ultimately lead to
his downfall. Many supporters have lost faith in the Honorary Chairman¹s
judgement. A lack of trust always leads to the demise of a successful
politician.
In May 1997 Tony Blair was basking in the glory of Labour¹s historic
landslide general election victory. At the same time David Murray presided
over Rangers record equalling nine in a row triumph. The adulation both men
enjoyed that summer from a grateful audience has long since passed.
ROCK